On Wednesday (Jan. 10) the U.S. Department of State –Bureau of Consular Affairs made changes to safety and security information, making it easier for travelers to understand and use.
Travel Advisories will replace Travel Warnings and Travel Alerts. Every country will have a Travel Advisory, which will provide one of four standard levels of advice. The Travel Advisory will give an explanation for the level and include clear actions U.S. citizens should take.
Alerts will replace Security Messages and Emergency Messages. Alerts follow an easy-to-understand format with clear actions U.S. citizens should take.
U.S. citizens who have signed up to receive updates via the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP.state.gov) will automatically receive a Travel Advisory and Alerts via email in the weeks following the Jan. 10 launch. They will continue to receive other messages as usual, including announcements related to voting, town halls, and administrative issues.
It is mandatory that any university employee or student register their university-related travel with the WVU Office of Global Affairs. Global Affairs takes the health and safety of all WVU employees and students traveling abroad very seriously. Registration automatically enrolls you in WVU’s international emergency response program and international insurance, as well as provides information for Federal Export Control regulations. Employees should register their travel by visiting the Travel Registration page on the Global Affairs website.
All students must register their travel through the Education Abroad website.
Questions or comments can be direct to Tara George-Jones, International Risk Manager (tara.george-jones@mail.wvu.edu).
For more information visit the International Travel Information page on the Global affairs website.